This paper explores the application of Maximum Satisfiability (Max-SAT) to the complex problem of conference session scheduling, with a particular focus on minimizing working-group conflicts within the context of the ROADEF conference, the largest French-speaking event aimed at bringing together researchers from various fields such as combinatorial optimization and operational research. A Max-SAT model is introduced then enhanced with new variables, and solved through state-of-the-art solvers. The results of applying our formulation to data from ROADEF demonstrate its ability to effectively compute session schedules, while enabling to reduce the number of conflicts and the maximum number of parallel sessions compared to the handmade solutions proposed by the organizing committees. These findings underscore the potential of Max-SAT as a valuable tool for optimizing conference scheduling processes, offering a systematic and efficient solution that ensures a smoother and more productive experience for attendees and organizers alike.

In this paper we present an optimal omnidirectional visual sensor which can replace perspective camera network for traffic diagnosis. The proposed system has the advantage, by the number and the designed mirror, to generate a single view of the crown and junction ways of the crossroads by maximizing the number of useless pixels. So, the percentage of pixels utilized directly for subsequent phases of image processing is optimal. We describe the methodology used to design such a sensor. In addition, to assess our sensor, we also developed image processing methods that provide useful indicators for estimating the state of the traffic as the crossroads occupancy rate, the vehicle speed and the flow of vehicles. Finally, we compare this optimal sensor to others that consist of parabolic, hyperbolic or spherical mirror to observe the scene. We prove that optimal sensor has better results than others.

This paper describes a new compact omnidirectional stereovision sensor that combines a single orthographic camera and four paraboloidal mirrors. Its geometry has been designed with the help of a stochastic optimization approach in order to minimize the 3D reconstruction error In comparison with state-of-the-art sensors described in the literature, better results are obtained for this sensor during simulations. We will especially compare it with a classical configuration with two mirrors. Two criteria will be used. the 3D reconstruction accuracy and the field of view. We illustrate the advantages of our sensor within a framework of a simulation using a realistic environment and a ray-tracing software.

In this paper, the use of local search to validate first-order knowledge-based systems is investigated. It is well known that such techniques can prove efficient in showing that consistency constraints do hold, at least in the propositional case. Powerful heuristics about the trace of local search allow proofs of inconsistency to be obtained as well. However, how local search can be applied to first-order knowledge bases without giving rise to a combinatorial space explosion remains an open issue. In this paper, a partial instantiation schema is proposed in the context of the incremental consistency–inconsistency problem. It allows forms of depth-limited consistency and inconsistency to be handled in an effective manner, showing promising paths for the development of new efficient consistency checking techniques for first-order knowledge bases. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.